Mass. lawmakers approve MBTA bailout, roads bill

BOSTON (AP) -- House and Senate lawmakers have approved an MBTA bailout and a second bill to maintain the state's roads and bridges.

The MBTA bill is designed to close the transit agency's remaining deficit for the fiscal year starting July 1 and stave off deeper cuts in service.

The T's board, faced with a $159 million deficit, has already voted to raise fares an average of 23 percent and reduce service, which officials estimate would cut the deficit by about two-thirds.

The bill calls for the state to transfer to the MBTA about $50 million from a state fund made of up motor vehicle inspection fees.

House and Senate lawmakers also approved a road and bridge bill Thursday.

The bill authorizes $200 million for the maintenance and upkeep of municipal roads and bridges across the state.